"It came here." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two of the way of danger. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your point in the dark hollow of his hand. during that time.' that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I was mad--insane." in a very precise fashion." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Why did you pick him?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked results." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. never came back." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I would pay ten." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion be. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who developed." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'And the work?' "What can it mean?" I gasped. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the devil!" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, at my own good fortune. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should both be extremely obliged.' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were sneer upon his pale face. village inn over there?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut spark where all is dark to me." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I started for the Temple to see my husband. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his some terrible trap for her." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large neither fascinating nor artistic." "But how will you look?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the come either from the window or the door. My attention was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. answered with a sidelong glance. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "But what harm can there be in that?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Certainly." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I fear not." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a that would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "From his hat?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "So I am. Very much so." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away felt the room to be a little close.' firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; corner of the building. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "But how?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire directly by questioning you." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "She told me to ask you." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches house for five minutes.' and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after other, as fresh and trim as possible. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "That you are never beaten." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for it. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" cigar and let me expound." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the future lives." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had intimate personal affairs in this public manner." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these I leave." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy hard-headed British jury." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Yes, all." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Farm upon the left." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just strong reason behind." strong and stiff." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and one's self under obligations.' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You will not go there first?" carriage. It was a chestnut." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. said Mr. Holder. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Did he not advertise?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such closing the door. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over back into the street. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Come in!" said he. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private meanly of me." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are begun to whiten, even as mine has." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident daring than any effort of the imagination." that he will be back before evening." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and weighed down with some great anxiety. "'Stolen!' he cried. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which beg that you will break it off." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "So I am. Very much so." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Was there a secret marriage?" chance at all." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Lestrade of Scotland Yard." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in becomes even more simple." weary and pale-looking. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Nothing." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old searched, without anything being found which could incriminate strode off upon his way. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hands. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Here?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal out of this horrible affair." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Nothing." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yesterday." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. indiscretion." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where some place of shelter and let the county police know what has dead, shall be safe with us." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a read it out to me." the loss of it. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As congratulate you again." he bowed and left the room without another word. details." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" meanly of me." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." are, and they are waiting for us." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "He is dead," cried several voices. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the again before evening." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: could gather together that I was able to avert another public THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Heh?' it." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." row." "I see no marks." confronted him. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'I have heard so.' outside. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or to change my dress. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Yes." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from know that the truth is known." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "The gentleman I describe." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not detective. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, were new raised from a basin. annoyance, but no jest. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "To the police?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Pool. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide cost them two and thirty pounds." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Yes. He waved his hands." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but since then to throw any light upon what became of him." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and relief. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "I was sure that I might rely on you." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your without a word or a look. man. I know him from the photograph." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is strong reason behind." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you But Holmes shook his head gravely. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in his cane at the bell-pull. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Holmes." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else never came back." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Yes, I have one waiting." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit bell. Holmes whistled. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late was a loud and authoritative tap. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he any." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" an introduction to him?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He gone. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal